#artificial intelligence
The Chinese search giant has been working on its own AI technology for years and is reportedly preparing to launch its answer to ChatGPT this March Read More
Editor’s note: This article by Jason Li was originally published on 88 Bar on January 24, on the eve of the Lunar New Year, and was updated on January 27 to incorporate a new work by 小民老二 and with information about Papayep’s offer. It has been re-posted here with permission. Jason has also translated an additional comic made in response to the coronavirus outbreak; check that out here: 21 Chinese Cartoonists Unite in a Dragonball Fanfic to Fight the Coronavirus.
As Wuhan and other nearby cities in China remain in lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, the normally festive Lunar New Year season has been beset with anxiety and grief. People across the country have taken to social media to share messages of concern, to share tips on staying healthy, and to cheer on the medical workers on the frontlines. Some independent cartoonists have also responded directly to the epidemic, eschewing prosaic happy Year of the Rat illustrations in favor of decidedly more pointed and poignant works. I’ve captured my favorite among these comics and illustrations above and below.
(Full disclosure: Some of these works were created by artists that I work with at Paradise Systems.)
Responding to the widely circulated theory that the virus originated in bats:
It’s Hard Being A Bat, by Fenta from Weibo/Instagram.
Illustration by Gantea from Weibo.
Comic by 1000岛千岛. Read the full story on her Weibo.
Illustration by Wang XX from Weibo.
Illustration by 小民老二 from Weibo.
Additionally, in solidarity with people who are laying low and staying in, comics zine Papayep has released digital copies of all of their previous issues on Weibo and WeChat, so that folks have more reading material to pass the time.
Related:
For more from China’s cartoonist community, see 呀哆’s tips for preventing the coronavirus, Zakuro’s cute family illustration, and wang2mu’s surreal art.
Cover image: Comic by Wang XX from Weibo.
#artificial intelligence
The Chinese search giant has been working on its own AI technology for years and is reportedly preparing to launch its answer to ChatGPT this March Read More
#Film
#Chinese cinema
Chinese New Year has become a time for huge domestic box office receipts. This year, ‘Full River Red’ and ‘The Wandering Earth 2’ are the hottest releases Read More
#New Music
If you find yourself in the northern hemisphere this time of year, the weather could be fierce. To help lift your spirit and warm your soul, we’ve rounded up a rad selection of new music releases from China! Read More
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a significant shift in the way we consume food. Watch More
#Food
#Chinese American
Former designer turned food blogger Frankie Gaw explores his Taiwanese American heritage and identity in his debut cookbook ‘First Generation’ Read More